How Does IKEA's New Sofa Bed Compare To The Older Models?

IKEA is well-loved by shoppers searching for functional and affordable pieces, but their changing inventory can be a blessing or a curse. Customers may be occasionally disappointed to learn that a favorite product has been discontinued, but other times, they may be overjoyed to find a new product to enjoy. If you want to explore a bunch of the newer options at IKEA, you can check out our top 15 picks from IKEA's new 2025 fall collection – though one particularly notable addition to the IKEA lineup is the GRUNNARP sleeper sofa. With a price tag on the lower end of comparable models, ratings on the higher side, and similar storage and comfort as other models, it appears to compare favorably to the store's older units.

The GRUNNARP is a sofa bed that comes in three colors: Medium gray, beige, and light brown-pink, and it costs $899 or $999, depending on the color you choose. While in its sofa setting, it features a minimalist design with wooden legs, three back cushions, and uniquely rounded armrests. When converted, the sofa becomes a full-size bed that fits two people. The sofa bed is designed to provide medium-firm support, and the seat cushions also include under-seat storage.

If you're looking at IKEA for a new sofa bed, though, you will find numerous options in a range of different styles and prices. While you may have a firm budget or particular aesthetic that you want to conform to, there are a few details to consider before making a decision, such as reviews on the performance and feel of the various sofas.

When comparing IKEA's top-rated compact sleeper sofas that are great for small spaces with the new GRUNNARP model, pricing is a good place to begin. The FRIHETEN is the closest in price, also costing between $899 and $999 based on color. There are two models that cost a few hundred dollars less: the ÄLVDALEN and the NYHAMN, both of which start at $499. There are five models that are more expensive than the GRUNNARP, placing it on the more affordable side of IKEA's sofa-bed offerings.

Just like the other fabric sleeper sofa options, the GRUNNARP has a 100 percent polyester fabric cover and a mixture of solid wood, particleboard, fiberboard, and more for the frame. The style is a bit more contemporary than the other sofa beds, some of which can lean more into the traditional. They all keep the standard minimalist vibe of IKEA furniture, but the clean design of the GRUNNARP does stand out among the older options.

All of the models are designed to have space for storage, so the GRUNNARP is not doing anything different there. Like the FRIHETEN, the storage space opens when you start to convert the sofa to a bed. The MORABO hides the storage a bit better during the transformation, as it remains covered unless you open it. This more discreet storage could be beneficial if you don't want your guests to see everything stored in the couch.

The reviews and ratings are another comparison point between the sofa beds. Though it has only 45 reviews, the GRUNNARP is currently rated the second-best among the sofa-beds at 4.3 stars. The ÄLVDALEN is the highest rated at 4.4 stars, while the FRIHETEN has 4.2 stars, but from over 1,100 reviews.

Reviews of the GRUNNARP praise its easy conversion, beauty, durability, and comfort, but many note that the bed is quite firm despite its medium-firm description and may benefit from additional cushioning. Others, though, find it comfortable. Among the negative reviews, many dislike some of the flimsier materials that may get damaged during shipping or deteriorate over time. They also note that the wood components creak. Another reviewer points out that the divider in the storage space makes it more difficult to store things that help you sleep, such as a mattress topper or IKEA's softest sheets.

When you look at the reviews for the other two highly-rated options, you will find similar pros and cons. Both the ÄLVDALEN and FRIHETEN have reviewers who found the quality lacking during assembly, the fabric rough, and the mattress too firm, though the ÄLVDALEN says it provides firm support, and the FRIHETEN does not specify. Ultimately, all of the IKEA sofa beds can work for someone who wants an affordable, space-saving sleeping solution and who doesn't mind a firmer bed.